Adirondack Business Leaders Endorse Adirondack Ballot Propositions

PLATTSBURGH & GLENS FALLS, NY (10/09/2013)(readMedia)-- The Adirondack Region's two largest business organizations, representing more than 4,000 businesses in Essex, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties, are encouraging members to "Vote Yes for The Adirondacks" by approving propositions 4 and 5 on the November 5 New York State ballot.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce, based in Plattsburgh, and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, based in Glens Falls, have endorsed both propositions as benefitting the economy and environment of the Adirondack Region.

North Country Chamber President and CEO Garry Douglas said, "These propositions are win-wins for community and economic sustainability in the Adirondacks and for the environment." He said the propositions further represent "real examples of Adirondack communities, business interests and environmental groups coming together around points of agreement."

Adirondack Regional Chamber President and CEO Peter Aust and Chair of the Board Christopher Della Bella said in a statement, "We encourage voters in our region and across the state to approve propositions 4 and 5, and Vote Yes For The Adirondacks on Election Day ... The ARCC is a firm believer that thoughtful collaboration by community stakeholders can make our region an even better place to do business, while continuing to improve our quality of life - and this is a perfect example."

If approved, the two propositions will authorize amendments to the state Constitution involving Adirondack Forest Preserve land.

Proposition 4 would allow the Legislature to settle the 100-year-old problem of disputed property titles in the Town of Long Lake, Hamilton County. Since the 1800s, the titles to 216 parcels, including the school, the firehouse, businesses, homes and other properties have been disputed. Proposition 4 would permit the State to clear these titles in exchange for funding to purchase lands that the state has long wanted to add to the Adirondack Forest Preserve for public recreation. The Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to recommend that the state acquire the historic Marion River Carry, acreage along the Marion River, the Utowana Lake shore, and a canoe portage that connects Raquette with Utowana and Blue Mountain. These lands would be forever protected at no cost to taxpayers.

Proposition 5 - The Adirondack Land Swap - would permit the state to provide longtime Adirondack business NYCO Minerals Inc. with temporary use of 200 acres of Forest Preserve land that immediately adjoins NYCO's mine in the Town of Lewis, Essex County. Allowing NYCO to continue its operations at the site for eight to ten years would help protect 100 jobs very important to the fabric of this rural community. In exchange, NYCO would donate to the Forest Preserve 1,500 acres of land that are rich in fishing and hiking opportunities and that provide greater public access to the Jay Mountain Wilderness, Hurricane Mountain Wilderness and Taylor Pond Wild Forest. Once NYCO completes its project, the original 200 acres would be reclaimed and returned to the Forest Preserve, while the 1,500 acres will remain under state ownership.

For more information on Proposition 4, please visit www.twp40.com.

For more information on Proposition 5, please visit www.adirondacklandswap.com